gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

1

: the carrying of young in the uterus (see uterus sense 1) : pregnancy

2

: conception (see conception sense 3) and development especially in the mind

gestational

je-ˈstā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• family way
• gravidity
• pregnancy

Examples of gestation in a Sentence

the gestation of new ideas

The book has been in gestation for a long time.

Recent Examples on the Web

Typically used through 12 weeks’ gestation, mifepristone stops the development of a pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone. —Pam Belluck, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

The gestation period lasts 58-63 days, and females can have between two and 19 pups in a litter. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Polyps can form if this doesn’t close properly during gestation or if parts of the umbilical cord remain in the tissue.5 Umbilical polyps look like outie belly buttons that are red, swollen, and may bleed. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 12 Oct. 2024

Per old wives’ tales, nesting is a phenomenon that happens near the end of gestation: a maternal instinct to prepare for birth. —Betty Liu, Bon Appétit, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin gestation-, gestatio, from gestare to bear, frequentative of gerere to bear

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy

Medical Definition

gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

1

: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy

2

: gestation period

gestational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective